Presidents of Mozambique and Zimbabwe want to strengthen economic cooperation

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Presidents of Mozambique and Zimbabwe want to strengthen economic cooperation

12:36 CAT | 18 Jan 2018

The presidents of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, and Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, proposed taking a bilateral economic cooperation to a new level in Maputo yesterday, pointing out that relations between the two states should generate results beneficial to their populations, Lusa reports.

Presidents Nyusi and Mnangagwa advocated a step-change in bilateral cooperation during the Zimbabwean head of state’s working visit to Mozambique yesterday , his first taking office following the removal of Robert Mugabe in November.

“We want trade relations to evolve, and to place ourselves at the level of excellence in our political and diplomatic relations,” President Nyusi said during a luncheon in honour of his Zimbabwean counterpart.

Investment in roads, ports and railways were taking place to better allow Mozambique’s neighbour to access the sea, he continued.

“Mozambique remains a safe and viable partner in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development,” he said.
Filipe Nyusi also noted that Mozambique wanted to remain a secure and predictable source of energy for Zimbabwe’s economy by providing a reliable electricity supply.

For his part, Emerson Mnangagwa stressed that the two countries were natural allies because of their geographical proximity and historical ties, demonstrated by the fact that figures in Zimbabwe’s independence struggle, including the current head of state and his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, had lived in Mozambique.

“I reaffirm Zimbabwe’s readiness to deepen and extend bilateral relations by consolidating and expanding opportunities for cooperation,” the Zimbabwean head of state said.

Emmerson Mnangagwa argued that cooperation should generate benefits for both countries, urging governments to commit to the implementation of bilateral agreements.

“We do not want ministers’ performance to fall short of the obligations assumed in agreements. Good decisions not implemented should be a thing of the past,” he said.

Mnangagwa’s visit to Mozambique forms part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) initiative addressing the political situation in Zimbabwe, following the removal of Robert Mugabe from the presidency by military intervention last year.

Source: Lusa